Maldives•AsiaN1 — Special Visa
At a Glance
5 days
Not confirmed
Tourist visa on arrival is free; extensions are subject to a fee.
3 months
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
The Maldives Special Visa is a discretionary, purpose-specific immigration category administered by Maldives Immigration. It is designed for foreign nationals whose activities do not fall under standard categories like tourism, business, or employment.
The Special Visa is a highly discretionary immigration category intended for individuals whose travel purposes do not align with standard visa types. It requires a local sponsor and is strictly regulated by the Controller of Immigration and Emigration. Applicants must ensure their specific purpose is recognized under the Maldives Immigration Act before applying.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 3 months |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be for a specific purpose recognized by the Maldives Immigration Act (e.g., humanitarian work, medical treatment, legal proceedings, government-approved programs).
Sponsorship/invitation papers from a local entity or individual.
Valid passport with at least 1 month validity (6 months recommended).
Financial evidence to support the stay.
Travel and accommodation evidence.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Completed Special Visa application form (IM22)
Sponsorship/invitation papers
Purpose explanation
Financial evidence
Travel/accommodation evidence
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Provides a legal pathway for activities not covered by standard tourist or business visas
- Flexible based on specific humanitarian or social needs
Worth Knowing
- Highly discretionary and case-dependent
- No standardized fee schedule
- Requires a local sponsor
- Not a pathway to permanent residency
- Lack of a local sponsor
- Purpose not recognized by the Maldives Immigration Act
- Insufficient financial evidence
Application Process
Secure a local sponsor
Prepare purpose explanation and supporting documentation
Complete Form IM22
Submit application to Maldives Immigration at least 5 days prior to arrival
Await discretionary approval from the Controller of Immigration and Emigration
Application Forms
| Special Visa Application Form | Fill online |
Related visas
More visas in Maldives
- Work Visa (Work e-Visa)
Work
- Business Visa
Business
- Diplomatic Visa
Diplomatic
Work visas in other countries
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